GM’s Super Cruise ADAS system is a relatively new technology package that allows for hands-free driving on certain highways in the United States and Canada. It was first introduced by General Motors in 2017 and has since grown. You may be curious about what exactly Super Cruise is and how it works. In this article, we will dive into how SuperCruise works, its key features, and how it compares to other ADAS technologies in the market.
What is GM’s Super Cruise?
Super Cruise is GM’s advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that offers hands-free driving on compatible roads. It’s one of the most advanced systems available today, combining cutting-edge technology with practical features that make driving safer and more enjoyable.
But what’s the story behind Super Cruise, and how did it evolve? Initially introduced in 2017 on the Cadillac CT6, Super Cruise was designed to provide a hands-free driving experience on mapped, divided highways.
In 2021, GM announced another project called Ultra Cruise. Ultra Cruise was intended to build upon Super Cruise by extending hands-free driving capabilities to 95% of all driving scenarios on all paved roads in the United States and Canada.
However, in a strategic move, GM recently decided to discontinue the Ultra Cruise brand and merge its development team with the Super Cruise team. This means that the advanced features and technologies initially planned for Ultra Cruise are now being integrated into Super Cruise. By combining the two, GM aims to accelerate the development of its ADAS technologies and bring even more capability to Super Cruise without confusing consumers with multiple product names.
How Super Cruise Works
How does Super Cruise work? Super Cruise combines several advanced technologies to provide a hands-free driving experience. The system relies on a network of sensors, cameras, radar, and high-precision GPS to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and keep it safely within its lane.
Sensor Fusion
Super Cruise uses a combination of cameras and radar sensors to perceive the environment:
- Forward-Facing Cameras: Mounted behind the windshield, these cameras detect lane markings and vehicles ahead.
- Radar Sensors: Located around the vehicle, these sensors measure the distance and speed of surrounding objects, helping the system maintain safe following distances.
High-Definition Maps and GPS
One of the key differentiators of Super Cruise is its reliance on high-definition maps:
- LiDAR-Mapped Roads: GM has mapped over 200,000 miles of divided highways using LiDAR technology, providing detailed information about the road’s curvature, lane markings, and other critical features.
- Precise GPS: Enhanced GPS data allows the system to pinpoint the vehicle’s location within inches, ensuring accurate lane positioning.
Driver Monitoring System
While Super Cruise allows for hands-free driving, it requires the driver to remain attentive:
- Infrared Cameras: An interior-facing camera monitors the driver’s head position and eye movements.
- Alerts and Warnings: If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention, it will issue visual and auditory alerts, and can eventually bring the vehicle to a safe stop if necessary.
Advanced Computing
All the data collected by the sensors and maps are processed by powerful onboard computers:
- Real-Time Decision Making: Sophisticated algorithms analyze the data to make instant decisions about steering, acceleration, and braking.
- Continuous Learning: Over-the-air updates allow the system to improve over time, adding new features and enhancements.
With these advanced technologies and systems working together, Super Cruise offers a safe and convenient driving experience. However, it’s important to note that the system is not meant to replace a human driver entirely.
Key Features of the Super Cruise System
Super Cruise offers a suite of features that make driving safer and more convenient. Let’s get into some of its most important capabilities.
Hands-Free Driving on Compatible Roads
Super Cruise enables true hands-free driving on designated highways. You can let go of the steering wheel, and the system will handle steering, acceleration, and braking while you remain attentive to the road ahead. It’s great for reducing fatigue on long trips.
Adaptive Cruise Control
The system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. If traffic slows down, Super Cruise will decelerate smoothly, then accelerate back to your set speed when traffic clears.
Lane Keep Assist
Super Cruise keeps your vehicle centered within its lane, even around curves. It continuously monitors lane markings and makes precise steering adjustments, providing a smooth and stable ride.
Automatic Lane Change
With a simple tap of the turn signal, Super Cruise can perform automatic lane changes when it’s safe to do so. The system checks for gaps in traffic and executes the maneuver seamlessly.
These are just some of the key features that make Super Cruise stand out as a driver-assist system. We can expect even more advanced capabilities in the future as technology continues to evolve.
Benefits of GM’s Super Cruise System
Super Cruise offers a suite of benefits for drivers and passengers alike. Let’s explore some of the advantages of using this advanced driver-assist system.
For Drivers and Passengers
- Enhanced Safety: By assisting with steering, acceleration, and braking, Super Cruise reduces the risk of accidents caused by driver error.
- Reduced Fatigue: Long drives become less tiring when you can let the system handle the mundane aspects of driving.
- Improved Comfort: The smooth operation of Super Cruise makes for a more comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.
For the Automotive Industry
- Innovation Catalyst: Super Cruise pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, encouraging other manufacturers to innovate.
- Road Safety: As more vehicles adopt advanced ADAS, overall road safety improves.
- Autonomous Future: Systems like Super Cruise are stepping stones toward fully autonomous vehicles.
Investing in a car with Super Cruise technology benefits the driver and passengers in terms of safety and comfort and also contributes to the advancement and adoption of ADAS.
Super Cruise vs. Competitor Systems
You may be wondering how Super Cruise compares to other systems on the market. Here is a breakdown of how it stacks up compared to other ADAS systems:
Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD)
- Hands-On vs. Hands-Free: Tesla’s Autopilot requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, whereas Super Cruise allows for hands-free operation.
- Driver Monitoring: Super Cruise uses an infrared driver attention system, while Tesla relies on torque sensors in the steering wheel.
- Functionality: Tesla’s FSD beta aims to handle city driving, but it’s still in development and has faced criticism for safety issues. Super Cruise focuses on delivering a reliable and safe experience on mapped highways, with plans to expand capabilities.
Ford BlueCruise
- Similarities: Both offer hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways and use driver-facing cameras.
- Coverage: Super Cruise currently covers more miles of compatible roads than BlueCruise.
- Experience: Super Cruise has been available longer, providing GM with more data to refine the system.
Other Competitors
- Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot: Offers Level 3 automation but is limited to certain conditions and regions.
- BMW Driving Assistant Professional: Provides advanced features but still requires hands-on driving.
Super Cruise stands out for its hands-free capability, extensive road coverage, and robust safety features. By integrating the advanced technologies from the Ultra Cruise program, GM is enhancing Super Cruise even further, making it one of the most advanced and consumer-friendly ADAS systems available today.
Learn More About ADAS or Start Your Own Calibration Center Today
Many car manufacturers are incorporating ADAS technologies into their vehicles, making it a growing area for technicians and mechanics to become familiar with. To stay ahead in the automotive industry, it is important to continue learning about ADAS systems and how they interact with other vehicle components. Also, ADAS calibration is becoming a specialized skill, offering opportunities for individuals to start their own calibration centers and provide services to car manufacturers and dealerships. Our ADAS solution enables you to start and operate your own calibration center. We supply the ADAS equipment and help our clients with setting up their facility, employee trainings, implementation, quality control, and support. Contact us today to learn more.
